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As owner and CEO of Exceptional Villas, I am often asked where is my favorite place in the world to go on vacation? My answer to this question is always St Barts.
As a lover of all things gourmet, I personally think it is hard to beat St Barts. The food in St Barts is varied and always exquisite and I hope you enjoy my guide of the best St Barts restaurants.
1. Bagatelle
Located right by the Harbour in St Barts, Bagatelle is one of the best St Barts restaurants. The chic ambiance blends South of France brasserie vibes with modern elegance. It’s the perfect spot to people-watch while enjoying Wahoo sashimi with yuzu and citrus confit, or roasted Mahi Mahi with hummus and basil cream sauce.
For a lively weekend, book a table inside. The energy is contagious, and soon, the crowd is dancing on tables to the island’s top DJ. Order a luxurious bottle of wine or champagne, and the party will be in full swing!
Top Tip: Our Concierge Team would be happy to to reserve you a harbourside table. The views are fabulous. But if you like to party, the place to be is inside in the middle of the fun.
Location: 24 Rue Samuel Fahlberg, Gustavia
Phone: +590-590-27-5151
2. Bartolomeo
Bartolomeo, a fine dining gem at the 5-star Guanahani Hotel, blends Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors beautifully. For a more casual vibe, head to Indigo on the Beach, also at the Guanahani. It’s one of my favorite lunch spots. Enjoy laid-back, feet-in-the-sand luxury with dishes like tempura prawns, crab guacamole, crispy bread, fried calamari, and jumbo shrimp with mango and coconut mayo.
Top Tip: Reserve a table close to the sea. The views are stunning.
Location: Hotel Guanahani, 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-6660
3. Black Ginger Thai Restaurant
Black Ginger is one of the best places to eat in St Barts. This Thai restaurant stands out as the island’s only one. The chefs, trained in Bangkok at the Mandarin Oriental, create exquisite dishes like Black Pepper Mahi-Mahi and Sweet and Sour Scallops. The chic décor, with an open sky roof and dome-shaped lights, adds to the amazing atmosphere.
Top Tip: Everything is delicious, especially the coconut milk shrimp!
Location: Samuel Fahlberg, Gustavia
Phone: +590-590-29-2103
4.Bonito
Bonito is one of the best restaurants in St Barts and one of my favorites. Perched above Gustavia Harbor, it offers stunning views of the town. Executive Chef Laurent Cantineaux creates a delicious fusion of French and South American cuisine.
Highlights include Sautéed Chilean Sea Bass, Grilled Tuna Tataki, and Spiny Lobster Risotto. The décor is like a chic beach house. You are also likely to see a clatter of supermodels and film stars. The last time I had dinner in Bonito, I was lucky enough to be sitting beside Vanessa Redgrave!
Top Tip: Bonito often has Great DJ every night. Check with our Concierge Team for the best night to book.
Location: Rue Lubin Brin, Gustavia 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-9696
5. Eddy’s
Whilst Eddy’s doesn’t have a harbourside location in Gustavia; it’s one of the most romantic spots on the island. The courtyard garden, lit with thousands of fairy lights, creates a magical atmosphere. The food is affordable with French Creole and Asian influences. Favorites include sautéed wahoo, plantains, and chocolate cake.
Top tip: If you feel like ‘eating in’ in the comfort of your luxury St Barts villa, Eddy’s To Go is a great takeaway option.
Location: 12 Rue Samuel Fahlberg, Gustavia, 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-5417
6. Fish Corner
Fish Corner is one of the best restaurants in St Barts, known for its fresh, locally sourced fish and seafood. By day, enjoy flavorful dishes in a relaxed setting. By night, it transforms into a chic bistro, perfect for a romantic dining experience.
Top tip: Don’t miss the seafood extravaganza every Friday and Saturday night, where you can indulge in an array of delectable seafood dishes. It’s an event that seafood lovers won’t want to pass up!
Location: 41 Rue de La Republique, Gustavia 97133
Phone: +590-590-51-3633
7. Gyp Sea
Gyp Sea Beach Club, located on the stunning Pelican Beach in Saint-Jean, offers a boho-chic vibe perfect for a relaxing day. Enjoy delicious cuisine, refreshing cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere, all with your toes in the sand.
Top Tip: ‘La Table du Chef’ offering a unique
Discovery Menu – booking essential.
Location: Baie de Saint-Jean
Phone:+590-590-77-5301
8. Kinugawa
This restaurant offers a unique fusion of Japanese gastronomy and the elegance of French living in a beautifully designed space adorned with light wood décor. The ambiance reflects the glamour of the Riviera while maintaining a contemporary and sophisticated atmosphere.
Top Tip: Before your meal, be sure to visit the bar and try one of their signature cocktails. It’s a perfect way to start your dining experience!
Location: 33 Rue Jeanne D’Arc, Gustavia
Phone:+590-590-51-1355
9. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
The restaurant located in Gustavia, with its two distinct concepts, sounds like a must-visit.
L’Atelier offers a tasting menu featuring signature dishes by Robuchon. Guests have the choice to sit around an open kitchen, immersing themselves in the culinary experience, or in the dining room for a more traditional setting.
Le Rooftop provides a more casual dining experience with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers breathtaking views and has a small cocktail bar with ten seats for those looking to enjoy drinks with a view.
Top Tip: Booking is essential to secure your spot at this restaurant, given its popularity and unique dining experiences.
Location: 15, Rue de Board de Mer Gustavia, 97133
Phone: +590-590-77-3030
10. L’Espirit
L’Esprit is another one of my personal favourite restaurants in St Barts. It is owned and run by Jean-Claude Dufour and his wife. Jean-Claude who ran the kitchen at the Eden Rock is also one of the most talented chefs on the island.
The restaurant is set in an open-air tropical garden with twinkly lights that give it a lovely romantic yet casual, laid-back feel. Some of the most delicious items on the menu are the duck spring rolls, roast scallops, lobster ravioli and the braised veal.
Top Tip: Make sure to enjoy the amazing wine list.
Location: Anse de Grande Saline, Salines 97133
Phone: +590-590-52-4610
11. L’Isola
L’Isola is one of the best restaurants in St Barts, offering fine Italian dining with an island twist. Located on a hillside in Gustavia, it may not have a sea view, but the warm welcome, fabulous food, and great atmosphere make up for it. The chef is from Rome, and most staff are from Italy.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the homemade pasta and specialties like veal chops with sage and Roman-style grilled artichokes.
Location: Rue du Roi Oscar II, Gustavia
Phone: +590-590-51-0005
12. La Guérite Beach
Situated along the stunning Saint Jean Bay, La Guérite Beach offers its charm, authenticity, and exceptional South of France cuisine. The menu blends Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors, delivering a visually stunning and delicious dining experience.
Top Tip: An incredible place to relax under the palm trees. Private cabanas for two people.
Location: St Jean, 97133 St Barthélemy
Phone: +590-590-77-4455
13. La Petite Plage
La Petite Plage, a must-visit in St Barts, is located in Gustavia’s picturesque port. This beachfront restaurant offers a tropical dining experience with feet in the sand. The décor blends wood and wicker, creating a cozy yet chic atmosphere.
Top Tip: Make sure to try the highly recommended spicy lobster linguine!
Location: Rue du Board de Mer, Gustavia 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-7300
14. Le Ti St Barth
Le Ti is the place for a party in St Barts. It feels like a trendy club, but the food is surprisingly good. I love the Angus Prime Rib, and the Tuna Tataki and Mahi Mahi Filet are also great.
The night starts with a sexy cabaret, followed by a fashion show, and around 11pm, the real fun begins. I was once pulled into the dress-up room and came out looking like Britney Spears! Everyone ends up dancing on tables, and the atmosphere gets wild.
Top Tip: Expect the unexpected and go with the flow!
Location: Pointe Milou 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-9771
15. Le Repaire
Le Repaire is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with views of the yachts in the harbor. The menu is varied and affordable, with dishes like shrimp tempura with tomato chutney. The service is good, and it offers excellent value. It’s also a great choice for cocktails while watching the world go by.
Top Tip: The snapper, grouper, blue shrimp & ceviche were standouts!
Location: Quai de la Republique, Gustavia
Phone: +590-590-27-7248
16. Le Toiny Restaurant & Beach Club
Le Toiny offers a culinary experience that ranks among the best restaurants in St Barts. With French and European influences, head chef Jarad McCarroll leads the kitchen. The décor is chic, featuring white and neutral tones, with views of the pool and Anse de Toiny Bay.
The food is exceptional, with dishes like fish tartare and lobster ravioli. The service is top-notch, making the 10-15 minute drive from Gustavia or St-Jean well worth it.
Top Tip: Red snapper, Ravioli and Mahi-Mahi are all spectacular.
Location: Anse de Toiny St Barthelemy, Toiny 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-8888
17. Nao Beach
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Bay of Saint-Jean, Nao Beach beckons as a tribute to the serenity of island living, with its turquoise vistas and celestial shores. This newly established beach club and restaurant offers a perfect fusion of talent and culinary sensibilities, for the benefit of a mixed, fresh and contemporary menu.
Top Tip: Spend the day at the Beach Club and enjoy lunch at the restaurant and drinks at the bar!
Location: Baie de Saint-Jean
Phone: +590-590-77-47-48
18. Nikki Beach
Top Tip: Sunday lunch is the best time to people watch and if you are on the island in October, make sure to get a seat for the opening party!
Location: Plage de St. Jean, FW1 97133, St Barthélemy
Phone: +590-590-27-6464
19. Ociela
Ociela, one of the best places to eat in St Barts, is located in the heart of Gustavia with great views from its elevated terrace. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a blend of flavors from Lebanon, Morocco, France, and Italy. It’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans, with many healthy options.
Try the Mezze plate and Mahi Mahi with Ratatouille and Quinoa, both excellent. After dinner, enjoy the Hookah Lounge or head downstairs to CASA for a night of dancing! The relaxed atmosphere and great service make it a must-visit.
Top Tip: Ask for Hayate. She is from Morocco and is delightful.
Location: 2 Rue Des Dinzey, Gustavia
Phone: +590-590-27-6377
20. Pearl Beach
Pearl Beach, located on St Jean Beach and part of Pearl Beach Hotel, is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. Enjoy dining with your feet in the sand, stunning views of the beach and sea, and healthy fusion dishes like Yellowfin Tuna Tataki and locally caught wahoo with Tandoori.
The restaurant features a boutique with treasures, including the trendy Free in St Barts brand. For fashion lovers, the highlight is the fashion show, with models gliding past while you sip rosé and enjoy ceviche. At night, the vibe shifts with themed nights, DJs, fire shows, and live pole dancing.
Top Tip: The weekend brunch is fabulous, and the shrimp tempura is outstanding!
Location: St Jean Bay, St Jean 97133
Phone: +590-590-52-8133
21. Rivyera Beach Restaurant
Rivyera, located at the Christopher in St Barts, offers a chic yet casual atmosphere with French Riviera-inspired cuisine. Curated by two-star Michelin Chef Arnaud Faye, the restaurant lets you dine with your toes in the sand, overlooking turquoise waters. Enjoy a taste of the South of France while soaking in the relaxed Caribbean vibes.
Top Tip: A hidden gem which should not be missed.
Location: Pointe Milou, 97133
Phone: +590-590-27-6363
22. Shellona Beach
Top Tip: Plan for an evening with live entertainment!
Location: Shell Beach, Gustavia 97133
Phone: Tel: +590-590-29-0666
Gustavia, St Barthelemy
telephone:+590 590 290 666
23. Tamarin
Tamarin is one of the most romantic of St Barts Restaurants. It is set in a beautiful tropical garden full of lily ponds and sweet-smelling flowers. The restaurant is located on the right side of the road on the way to Saline Beach. A beautiful tamarind tree is located at the entrance and is reputed to be over 200 years old.
The menu is very varied with everything from Pan-fried foie gras to pan-seared tuna with a satay sauce and sautéed mahi-mahi, vegetables, veggie pepper and chickpea butter.
Top Tip: The gardens are beautifully lit and very romantic at night time.
Location: Grande, Grand Saline 25480
Phone: +590-590-29-2774
Conclusion
With over 80 St Barts restaurants to choose from on this small 8-square-mile island, you won’t be disappointed for choice! Air France brings in French goodies, wines, and champagnes daily from Paris to St Martin, adding to the French flair in St Barts cuisine. While French is dominant, the island also offers Italian, Thai, and Japanese influences, with seafood being a highlight on many menus.
We love to hear from our readers so let us know in the comments which are your favorite places to eat in St Barts, and we’ll check them out next time we are on island!
About Alexandra Baradi
Alexandra Baradi is the founder and owner of Exceptional Villas. She started the company 1992. Alex is a hotel manager by background and has travelled around the world in search of the best villas.
Her personal passion for travel and her entrepreneurial flair for making guest feel very special from the moment they enquire to the moment they arrive home, has enabled Exceptional Villas to become the world’s leader in luxury villas.
She believes anything is possible when you travel with Exceptional Villas and ensures you will be pampered every step of the way.
Alexandra and her team all have one thing in common; to provide their guests with an unmatched holiday experience and to go beyond expectations.
Each of the team members specialise in just one destination rather than in multiple destinations allowing them to become total experts in their fields.
Both Alexandra and her team spend much of their time travelling to all the destinations inspecting new villas and re-inspecting already featured villas.
